Michigan Football: Predicting defensive starters after spring ball

Linebackers

OLB: David Ojabo 

This is going to be another really interesting spot to watch. It’s the strong outside linebacker position. These guys are essentially former defensive ends who are going to be asked to stand up. Ojabo did a good job in his role this spring and Mike Morris really stood out as well.

You wonder if Morris would challenge for time as the DE/edge rusher spot. At times, it will even look like Michigan is playing a 5-2 with three interior D-line, and two edge guys who could be standing up or in a stance.

MLB: Josh Ross

This might not necessarily be how things look now, but Ross is obviously going to start in one of the two interior positions, the Mike or the Will. To me, he’s better at taking on blockers than someone like Michael Barrett is going to be. Of course, if the defensive line does its job, this position is more about finding gaps and making plays, which Barrett could do. I feel like he could be a possible transfer so keep an eye on that. He was a former quarterback, recruited as a running back/athlete, and then moved to safety — then to viper. I’m just not sure about his fit.

WLB: Junior Colson

I’m also really in love with what Junior Colson can do on the football field and I think his versatility is tailor-made to excel in Macdonald’s system. He can blitz, he can cover, and he covers a lot of ground. He’s also athletic, even returning a kickoff for a touchdown last year in high school. He’s already worked his way into the mix. It’s a bit of a projection, but I think he fits the defense better and if he’s ready, plus has the talent, why wait?